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Hancock issues Open Letter to customers about Data Security Situation
06 Mar '10
3 min read
Hancock Fabrics disclosed that PIN pad units at a limited number of Hancock Fabrics' stores were stolen and replaced with visually identical, but fraudulent PIN pad units during the August-September, 2009 timeframe. As a result, certain account information and PIN numbers used at these locations may have been unlawfully acquired by third parties.
While the number of potentially affected stores involved in this situation is limited, the data accessed may have included customer information such as the name printed on a customer's payment card, the card number, the card expiration date, and/or a PIN number when one was entered in a PIN debit transaction. It is important to note however that this theft does not involve customers' social security numbers.
To ensure that customers can confidently shop all Hancock Fabrics' stores, the company replaced every PIN pad unit in all of its stores with an upgraded model. In addition, the company has implemented additional layers of security, including installing automated systems that resist tampering and continuously monitor the PIN pad unit devices for any suspicious activity.
As this was a violation of both civil and criminal laws, thecompany is working closely with federal and local law enforcement officials and the major payment card brands on the investigation of this situation to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended.
"Hancock Fabrics highly values the privacy and security of customer data," said Jane F. Aggers, president and chief executive officer. "We deeply regret that the theft and replacement of PIN pad units at an isolated number of stores has inconvenienced any of our customers. We have already taken action to ensure our customers can continue to shop confidently and securely at Hancock Fabrics' stores throughout the U.S."
As a precautionary measure, Hancock Fabrics recommends that consumers review their account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You also should promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission.
Consumers may also consider placing a fraud alert on their credit report. This fraud alert statement informs creditors to possible fraudulent activity and requests that the creditor contact you prior to establishing any accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, call any one of the three credit bureaus at the numbers provided below and follow the "Fraud Victim" instructions. The one you call will notify the others to place the alert. When you call the credit bureau fraud line, you will be asked for identifying information and will be given the opportunity to enter a phone number for creditors to call. You may want to make this your cell phone number for convenience in responding to such calls.
While the number of potentially affected stores involved in this situation is limited, the data accessed may have included customer information such as the name printed on a customer's payment card, the card number, the card expiration date, and/or a PIN number when one was entered in a PIN debit transaction. It is important to note however that this theft does not involve customers' social security numbers.
To ensure that customers can confidently shop all Hancock Fabrics' stores, the company replaced every PIN pad unit in all of its stores with an upgraded model. In addition, the company has implemented additional layers of security, including installing automated systems that resist tampering and continuously monitor the PIN pad unit devices for any suspicious activity.
As this was a violation of both civil and criminal laws, thecompany is working closely with federal and local law enforcement officials and the major payment card brands on the investigation of this situation to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended.
"Hancock Fabrics highly values the privacy and security of customer data," said Jane F. Aggers, president and chief executive officer. "We deeply regret that the theft and replacement of PIN pad units at an isolated number of stores has inconvenienced any of our customers. We have already taken action to ensure our customers can continue to shop confidently and securely at Hancock Fabrics' stores throughout the U.S."
As a precautionary measure, Hancock Fabrics recommends that consumers review their account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You also should promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission.
Consumers may also consider placing a fraud alert on their credit report. This fraud alert statement informs creditors to possible fraudulent activity and requests that the creditor contact you prior to establishing any accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, call any one of the three credit bureaus at the numbers provided below and follow the "Fraud Victim" instructions. The one you call will notify the others to place the alert. When you call the credit bureau fraud line, you will be asked for identifying information and will be given the opportunity to enter a phone number for creditors to call. You may want to make this your cell phone number for convenience in responding to such calls.
Hancock Fabrics Inc
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